Viewing assembly for producing an optically corrected reflected image

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a viewing assembly that can selectively create optical compound corrections in the images reflected from the viewing assembly. The viewing assembly includes a reflective surface coupled to a supporting body in such a manner that the reflective surface conforms to the contour of the supporting body. The contour of the supporting body can then be selectively altered by the viewer of the viewing assembly, thereby changing the shape of the reflective surface and creating desired optical corrections in the viewed reflected images.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/116,169, filed Sep. 2,1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,274.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a viewing assembly that corrects areflected image in such manner so as to compensate for an imperfectionin the viewer's eyesight and, more particularly, to such viewingassemblies that can selectively provide optical corrections to areflected image corresponding to the needs of the viewer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people have imperfect vision that requires correction through theuse of prescriptive lenses. However, it is not always desirable orpractical to use prescriptive lenses when performing certain tasks thatrequire accurate vision. For example, when a person views himself orherself in a mirror for the purpose of shaving, applying cosmetics, orthe like, clear vision is obviously desired. However, the use ofeyeglasses in such situations is impractical because conventionaleyeglasses obstruct the person's face. Another situation where wearingprescriptive lenses is impractical, is when a person is selectingspectacle frames to support their prescriptive lenses. In such asituation, the person selecting the spectacle frames cannot clearly viewhis or her image in a plano or flat mirror unless the neededprescriptive lenses are held in front of the frames being sampled. This,however, obstructs part of the reflective image the person is trying toview.

Mirrors are optical devices that reflect light, in accordance with thecontours of their reflective surfaces. As such, mirrors can be formedwith varied focal points so as to compensate for any one person's visualimperfections. However, most every person's visual impairments differfrom those of other persons. Therefore, it is impossible to form asingle fixed mirror surface that can compensate for the visualimperfections of all, or even most, people. As such, mirrors have beeninvented that have variable focal lengths in an attempt to allow eachperson to adjust the mirror to best correct his or her own vision.

Some of the simplest ways to produce a variable mirror focal point is toplace a corrective lens in front of a fixed flat mirror. The correctivelens may include custom formed lenses or the corrective lens may beadjustably positioned relative to the flat mirror, thereby allowing thefocal length of the mirror to be altered. The prior art of suchcorrective lens mirrors is exemplified in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,374,047 toGatchell; 3,677,620 to Bettencourt and 3,970,369 to Wachsman. As can berecognized by a person skilled in the art, the variability of suchcorrective lens mirrors is limited by the optical characteristics of thecorrective lens being used. Therefore, one mirror cannot be created foruse by all people regardless of their visual impairment.

A second prior art method of varying the focal length of a mirror isaccomplished by selectively varying the contour of the mirror surface.In such systems, the mirror surface is formed on a flexible backing,thereby allowing the mirror surface to be flexed into a convex orconcave orientation. In some systems, such as U.S. Pat. No. 2,733,637 toJoseph, the mirror surface is flexed by compressing the frame of themirror. Another common means of deforming the mirror is through the useof pneumatics or hydraulics, creating a fluid pressure on one side ofthe mirror that causes it to deform. Such pneumatic or hydraulic mirrorsystems are exemplified in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,623,793 to Mertem; 3,632,796to Schweiger; 3,972,600 to Cobary; 4,119,366 to LeMaitre; 4,128,310 toMiller and 4,913,536 to Barnea. Additionally, the deformation of opticalelements using a pneumatic means have also been used in applicationsother than that of corrective mirrors. For example, in U.S. Pat. No.4,261,655 to Honigsbaum, there is shown a pneumatic method used to shapeprescriptive lenses within a pair of eyeglasses.

The problem inherent in the pneumatically or hydraulically deformedmirrors of the prior art is that the pressure used to deform the mirrorsurface, produces only a spherical concave or convex correction to thereflected image. However, many people who wear glasses have correctivelenses that create cylindrical or torical corrections in a viewed image.The conventional prior art systems are incapable of producingcylindrical or torical corrections in the reflected image, thereforelimiting the ability of prior art mirror systems to accuratelycompensate for prescriptive lenses.

It is therefore a primary objective of the present invention to providea viewing assembly that reflects an image that can be adjustablycorrected spherically, cylindrically and/or torically, thereby allowingthe present invention viewing assembly to correct a reflected image in amore accurate manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention comprises an adjustable reflectivesurface which has an adjustment mechanism coupled to it. The adjustmentmechanism varies a degree of curvature of the reflective surface toselectively create a toric correction in the reflective surface. Thetoric correction enables a visually impaired user to view an image onthe reflective surface without the use of a corrective lens.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a viewing apparatus having aformable body. A plurality of flexible members are disposed within theformable body, each of the plurality of flexible members is configuredto have a predetermined curvature within the formable body. A forceadjustment device selectively applies a force to one or more of theplurality of flexible members and alters the predetermined curvature ofone or more of the plurality of flexible members, causing the formablebody to selectively change shape. A reflective surface is coupled to theformable body. The reflective surface changes in shape with the formablebody and produces an optical correction in a reflected image viewed fromthe reflective surface.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a viewing apparatus which hasa flexible material with a front surface and a back surface. The frontsurface is reflective. A support structure has a first surface whichreceives the back surface of the flexible material in correspondingfacing engagement. The first surface has a contour. A tensioning devicepulls the flexible material taut over the first surface of the supportstructure and the flexible material conforms to the contour of the firstsurface.

In yet another aspect, the invention comprises a method of creatingoptical corrections in a viewing assembly which comprises the steps ofcoupling a reflective surface to a supporting body which has a contour.The reflective surface conforms to the contour of the supporting bodyand selectively alters the contour of the supporting body, therebyaltering the reflective surface and producing the optical corrections inan image reflected from the reflective surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is madeto the following descriptions of exemplary embodiments thereof,considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention viewing assembly;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 1, viewed along section line 2--2;

FIG. 3 is an isolated perspective view of the reflective surface, of thepresent invention viewing assembly, disposed upon an elastomeric bodyand held within a rigid frame structure in accordance with a preferredconstruction of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an isolated perspective view of the rigid frame structure ofthe present invention viewing assembly, shown without the presence ofthe elastomeric body to facilitate discussion and consideration;

FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c are isolated cross-sectional views of the reflectivesurface and supporting elastomeric body, of the present inventionviewing assembly, selectively formed into three separate curvatures soas to facilitate consideration and discussion of the operation of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention viewing assembly;

FIG. 7 is a forward view of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 6, viewedalong section line 7--7;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the presentinvention viewing assembly; and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention viewing assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Each person's eyesight is unique to that person, and for that reasoneyeglasses are produced by prescription for the specific visualimperfections of an individual. The strength of individual lenses isdependent upon the index of refraction for the material of the lens, thethickness of the lens and the surface curvatures of the lens surfaces.The material, thickness and curvature characteristics of a set of lensesare then matched with the needs of an individual, to produce the neededvisual corrections.

In producing corrective lenses for eyesight, there are three primarysurface shapes into which the surface of a corrective lens is usuallyformed. The first surface is a spherical surface. A spherical surface isthat found along the surface of a ball, wherein all points on thespherical surface share a common radius to a single common point.Therefore, the radius of curvature for a spherical surface is constantacross the entire spherical surface.

In many applications, corrective lenses are needed with a surfacecurvature that is not spherical. Therefore, a lens surface can be formedinto the shape of a cylindrical surface. A cylindrical curvature is thatfound on a surface of a cylinder. A cylindrical surface has a singleradius of curvature as measured at a perpendicular from the longitudinalaxis of the cylinder. However, the longitudinal axis of the cylinder isnot curved. As such, a cylindrical surface has a meridian that hassubstantially no optical power. The meridian of no optical power isconventionally known as the axis of the cylindrical surface.

The third type of surface shape, into which a corrective lens can beformed, is a toric surface. A toric surface is a combination of aspherical surface with a cylindrical surface. As such, in a toricsurface, the curvature of the surface along each meridian is differentand no meridian lacks optical power. In modern corrective lenses, toricsurfaces are used more commonly than are cylindrical surfaces orspherical surfaces alone.

As will be recognized by a person skilled in the art, the curvature of alens surface is referred to as a diopter. A diopter is a measure of thepower of a lens equal to the reciprocal of its focal length in meters.For instance, a one diopter lens has a focal length of one meter. Theordinary range of toric lens curvatures, including practically allcommonly used lens surfaces, spans from plus or minus zero to twentydiopters of spherical power to four cylindrical diopters in one quarterdiopter steps. Additionally, diopter values are usually denoted as beingeither negative (-) or positive (+), so as to denote the curvature of aconcave surface or convex surface, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention viewingassembly 10 is shown having a reflective surface 12 positioned within ahousing 13. A view window 14 is formed through the face surface 16 ofthe housing 13 so that a person viewing the face surface 16 of thehousing 13 can see the reflective surface 12. A plurality of adjustmentknobs 20 are positioned below the view window 14 on the face surface 16of the housing 13. As will be later explained, the adjustment knobs 20control the curvature of the reflective surface 12, thereby enabling thecurvature of the reflective surface 12 to be selectively adjusted asdesired. Reference numerals 22 or other indicia are disposed around eachof the adjustment knobs 20 to provide a reference as to the rotationalposition of each of the adjustment knobs 20. As will be later explained,the reference numerals 22 can be used to apply a desired curvature tothe reflective surface 12 that corresponds to a specific eyeglassprescription. The viewing assembly 10 may include a support stand member24 or similar device used to support the viewing assembly 10 upright ata desired angle of inclination. It is understood by those skilled in theart that the present invention is not limited to counter top or desk topuse. That is, the viewing assembly 10 could be sized as a full lengthmirror to allow a person to view their entire body without the use ofcorrective lenses.

Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the reflective surface 12 isdisposed upon a flexible or formable body 28 (hereinafter "flexible body28"). In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the body 28 beformed of an elastomeric material, such as silicone or GERTV. However,it is understood by those skilled in the art that the body 28 could beconstructed of other flexible or formable materials, such as isoprenerubbers, natural rubbers, CIS polyisoprene rubbers, neoprene rubbers,butyl rubbers, nitrile copolymers, silicone, hypalon, acrylic, thiokolor polyurethane. The flexible body 28 is seated within a rigid framestructure 30 inside the housing 13. The rigid frame structure 30surrounds an open central region 31. The flexible body 28 is shaped toabut against one side of the rigid frame structure 30 and partiallyextend into the open central region 31. Although the rigid framestructure 30 is shown as a separate element, it should be understoodthat the rigid frame structure 30 can be unistructurally formed as partof the mirror housing 13.

In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the reflective surface12 be constructed of a flexible mirror material, such as a thin metalcoated polymer. Examples of the metal coated polymers include aluminizedpolyesters or MYLAR®. It is understood by those skilled in the art thatother flexible reflective materials could be used without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. The reflective surface 12 ispreferably bonded to the flexible body 28 by a suitable bonding processwithin the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

The flexible body 28 is mechanically joined to the rigid frame structure30 by a plurality of flexible generally elongate members 32. In theshown embodiment, each flexible member 32 has one end 33 that isanchored to the rigid frame structure 30. Each of the flexible members32 extends through the flexible body 28, following a predeterminedcurvature. Each flexible member 32 exits the flexible body 28 and entersa conduit 36 in the rigid frame structure 30 at a point opposite itsanchored end 33. The flexible members 32 pass through the conduits 36and are each coupled to a tensioning mechanism 34 below the rigid framestructure 30. The tensioning mechanisms 34 are controlled by theadjustment knobs 20 that extend through the housing 13. The tensioningmechanisms 34 can be any known assembly capable of advancing theflexible members 32 into, and retracting the flexible members 32 from,the conduits 36 in the rigid frame structure 30, such as a spool (notshown) secured to an adjustment knob. The passage of the flexiblemembers 32 within various conduits 36, prevents the bending or bucklingof the flexible members 32 within the rigid frame structure 30, as theflexible members 32 are selectively advanced by the tensioningmechanisms 34. As will be later explained, by selectively adjusting thetensioning mechanisms 34, the curvature of the flexible member 32 withinthe flexible body 28 can be changed, resulting in a change in the shapeof a flexible body 28 and a corresponding change in the curvature of thereflective surface 12.

In FIG. 3, there is shown an isolated view of the flexible body 28 andreflective surface 12, seated within the rigid frame structure 30. Ascan be seen, the flexible body 28 abuts one side of the rigid framestructure 30 and covers the area of the open center region 31 (shown inFIG. 2). The flexible body 28 fills at least part of the open centerregion 31 such that the flexible members 32 extend through the flexiblebody 28 as the flexible members 32 pass across the open center region 31within the rigid frame structure 30.

Referring to FIG. 4, the rigid frame structure 30 and flexible members32 are shown without the reflective surface 12 or the material of theflexible body 28, as was previously shown in FIG. 3. As can now be seen,the flexible members 32 traverse the open center region 31 of the rigidframe structure 30 at a plurality of orientations. In the shownembodiment, there are six flexible members 32, however, it should beunderstood that any plurality can be used. The flexible members 32 canbe made of any strong flexible material, such as wire or flat strapping,so long as the flexible members 32 bend when compressed and becomelinear when made taut. In the present embodiment, the wires arepreferably constructed of music wire and have a diameter equal toapproximately 0.035 inches. The various flexible members 32 can bearranged in any orientation, wherein the flexible members 32 may lay inparallel rows so as to create an overall cylindrical shape, or maycrisscross cross each other's path, to create an overall sphericalshape. Regardless of the selected orientations of the flexible members32, each of the flexible members 32 is initially compressed to bowoutwardly along a predetermined curved path as the flexible members 32cross the open center region 31. However, the curved path followed byeach of the flexible members 32 need not be the same. Each of theflexible members 32 is initially oriented to follow a desired sphericalcylindrical curvature which produces a toric curve that spans the opencenter region 31. Although the curvature of each of the flexible members32 can be the same, in a preferred embodiment, one, or any plurality offlexible members 32, may follow a spherical curvature while the otherflexible members 32 follow a cylindrical curvature. If some of theflexible members 32 follow spherical curves and others followcylindrical curves, the combination of the flexible members 32 createsan overall toric surface across the open center region 31. The initialcurvatures of each of the flexible members 32 are preserved in a firstposition as the material of the flexible body 28 (shown in FIG. 3) ismolded around the flexible members 32 within the open center region 31.Consequently, each of the flexible members 32 is enveloped by theflexible body 28 and each of the flexible members 32 retains its initialcurvature by the presence of the material of the flexible body 28surrounding each flexible member 32.

Referring to FIG. 5a, a cross section of the flexible body 28 seatedwithin the rigid frame structure 30 is shown. When the flexible members32 are in the first position each flexible member 32 follows its initialspherical or cylindrical curvature within the material of the flexiblebody 28. The flexible body 28 is shaped so that the reflective surface12 lays in a flat plane when the flexible members 32 are in the firstposition. However, when the tensioning mechanisms (shown in FIG. 2) aremanipulated to advance one or more flexible members 32 toward theflexible body 28, the effected flexible members 32 bend outwardly, andchange from the initial curvature of the first position to a more curvedorientation.

Referring to FIG. 5b, it can be seen that as a flexible member 32 isincreasingly advanced in the direction of arrow 43, the curvature of theflexible member 32 changes. Each flexible member 32 bows in an evenmanner, creating a semicircular path from one end of the open centerregion 31, to the other. The more a flexible member 32 is advanced, thesmaller the radius of curvature for a semicircular path becomes. Sinceeach flexible member 32 is enveloped by the material of the flexiblebody 28, the bending of the flexible members 32 causes the flexible body28 to deform outwardly in the direction of arrow 45. The resultingdeformation of the flexible body 28 causes the reflective surface 12 todeform, thereby altering the reflective characteristics of thereflective surface 12. Each of the flexible members 32 extends acrossthe open center region 31 and passes through the flexible body 28 alonga different line. Some of the flexible members 32 cross over the middleof the open center region 31 while other flexible members 32 only extendacross a small segment of the open center region 31. Consequently, aseach of the flexible members 32 is advanced by the tensioning mechanism,the change in curvature in each of the flexible members 32 creates adistinct change in curvature to the portion of the flexible body 28 nearwhich that particular flexible member 32 passes. In the shownembodiment, there are six flexible members 32, as such the deformationof the flexible body 28 can be controlled by applying a tension orcompression force, in any possible combination, to the six flexiblemembers 32. As a result, the flexible body 28 can be adjusted along sixdifferent meridians, thereby allowing the reflective surface to beselectively adjustable along six separate meridians. Consequently, mostany spherical or cylindrical curvatures can be created to produce adesired toric curve in the flexible body 28, wherein the toric curve istransferred to the reflective surface 12.

Furthermore, if the tensioning mechanisms or force adjustment devices(shown in FIG. 2) are manipulated to apply tension to one or more of theflexible members 32, the effected flexible members 32 change to a lesscurved orientation. Referring to FIG. 5c, it can be seen that as aflexible member 32 is increasingly made taut, the curvature of theflexible member 32 becomes less pronounced. The straightening of theflexible members 32 also causes the flexible body 28 to deform inwardlyin the direction of arrow 47. The resulting deformation of the flexiblebody 28 is transferred to the reflective surface 12. Consequently, byadding the ability of making the flexible members 32 taut, the range ofadjustments for the reflective surface is increased and the reflectivesurface 12 can be selectively adjusted to optically correct a largerrange of eyesight imperfections.

While in the present embodiment it is preferred that the flexiblemembers 32 have an initial curvature when the reflective surface 12 liesgenerally in a flat plane (as shown in FIG. 5a), it is understood bythose skilled in the art that the particular initial orientation of theflexible members 32 with respect to the shape of the reflective surface12 could be different. For instance, the flexible members 32 could liein a generally flat plane when the reflective surface 12 is positionedin a generally flat plane such that the flexible members 32 andreflective surface 12 extend generally parallel with respect to eachother, initially. The flexible members 32 could then be deformedupwardly to cause the reflective surface 12 to deform as shown in FIG.5b. Similarly, the flexible members 32 could be flexed downwardly tocause the reflective surface 12 to deform to the shape shown in FIG. 5c.The particular manner in which the flexible members 32 are caused toflex upwardly or downwardly could be accomplished by allowing theconduits 36 to be angularly adjustable. That is, the conduits 36 couldbe angled upwardly to cause the flexible members 32 to flex upwardly orthe user could select to angle the conduits 36 downwardly to cause theflexible members 32 to flex downwardly.

As is shown in FIG. 1, reference numerals 22 or other indicia areprinted around each adjustment knob 20. Since the present inventionviewing assembly 10 can be selectively adjusted across a wide range ofconfigurations, a chart or similar structural device may be providedthat indicates to a person where to set the various adjustment knobs 20in order to obtain a desired correction in the reflected surface 12. Assuch, a person need only turn the adjustment knobs 20 to a position thatcorresponds to their eyeglass lens prescription in order to opticallycorrect the reflective surface 12 to their individual needs.

In the shown embodiment of FIGS. 2-5c, the flexible members 32 werepreset at a generally convex curvature making it easy to create convexdeformations in the flexible body 28 and the reflective surface 12.However, it will be understood that flexible members 32 that initiallyfollow a concave curvature can also be disposed within the flexible body28, thereby increasing the range of concave deformations that can beselectively created in the flexible body 28 and reflector surface 12.

While in the present embodiment, it is preferred that the shape of theflexible body 28 be controlled by the flexible members 32 and adjustmentknobs 20, it is understood by those skilled in the art that othermethods could be used to control the shape of the flexible body 28. Forinstance, the flexible body 28 could be surrounded by a contractiblering (not shown) or retractable fingers (not shown) could extendinwardly from the frame 30 for supplying pressure to the circumferenceof the flexible body 28. Similarly, the present invention is not limitedto the use of manually adjustable knobs 20. The position of the flexiblemembers 32 can be automatically controlled. For instance, the tensioningmechanisms 34 could be coupled to stepper motors (not shown) which arecontrolled by a microprocessor (not shown) which can actuate the steppermotors and tensioning mechanisms 34 to a position which corresponds to aparticular prescription input into a key pad or other input mechanism(not shown). Further, an infrared or other autofocusing system (notshown), once the particular prescription was input into themicroprocessor, could automatically adjust the focal length of thereflective surface 12.

Referring to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of the present inventionviewing assembly 50 is shown. In this embodiment, the reflective surface52 is not formed upon the flexible body 28, as has been previouslydescribed, but is biased against the flexible body 28. The flexible body28 is deformed by the manipulation of the flexible members 32 thattravel through the flexible body 28, as has been previously described.Referring to FIG. 7 in conjunction with FIG. 6, it can be seen that thereflective surface 52 is a sheet of reflective material, such as MYLAR®,pulled taut around its periphery by an elastic ring 54. The elastic ring54, in turn, is attached to the rigid frame structure 30 that surroundsthe flexible body 28. The reflective surface 52 is attached to theelastic ring 54 with a plurality of mechanical fasteners 58 that aresymmetrically disposed around the periphery of the reflective surface52. Each mechanical fastener 58 may include plastic washers 59 to helpinterconnect the reflective surface 52 to the elastic ring 54 byexpanding the area of contact between each component. However, it willbe understood that the reflective surface 52 can be attached to theelastic ring 54 in any manner, such as through the use of adhesives orby sewing the two components together along a seam. The elastic ring 54is preferably constructed of latex sheet rubber or gum sheet rubber witha thickness in the range of 1/32 to 1/16 inches. The elastic ring 54 canbe attached to the rigid frame structure 30 utilizing any known means ofattachment. The elastic ring 54 is stretched between the reflectivesurface 52 and the rigid frame support 30. Consequently, the elasticring 54 biases the reflective surface 52 against the flexible body 28and the reflective surface 52 is held taut against the flexible body 28without wrinkles or creases.

Since the reflective surface 52 is held taut against the flexible body28, the reflective surface 52 conforms to the flexible body 28 such thatany deformations in the flexible body 28 are transferred to thereflective surface 52. As such, by selectively creating spherical and/orcylindrical shape adjustments in the flexible body 28, the reflectivesurface 52 can be shaped along any desired toric curvature, therebycreating an optical correction as desired. Spherical and/or cylindricalchanges in the shape of the flexible body 28 are created by selectivelyapplying tension and compression forces to the flexible body 28, as hasbeen previously described.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a third embodiment of the presentinvention viewing assembly 60, wherein the adjustable flexible body 28shown previously in the embodiment of FIG. 6 is replaced by a shapedstatic structure 62. In the shown embodiment, the reflective surface 52is pulled taut over the static structure 62 by the elastic ring 54,whereby the reflective surface 52 conforms to the shape of the staticstructure 62. The static structure 62 can be made into any desiredshape. As a result, the static structure 62 can be custom made tocorrect the vision deficiencies of a specific person. For example, if aperson has a specific eyeglass prescription, a static structure 62 canbe fabricated to match that prescription. The static structure 62 wouldthereby create a specific curvature in the reflective surface 52 thatwould optically correct a reflected image as needed. However, creating astatic structure 62 for a specific person's optical requirements doesnot lend itself to mass production. As such, in a preferred embodiment,the static structure 62 is manufactured with a common toric curvature.Consequently, the reflective surface 52 is deformed to the toriccurvature of the static structure 62, creating a corresponding correctedreflected image.

It will be understood that a toric surface has a different radius ofcurvature along each meridian on the surface. As such, when a toriccurvature is applied to a mirror, the reflected image changes if themirror is rotated about its center. In the shown embodiment, the staticstructure 62 is attached to a shaft 64. The shaft 64 is connected to anadjustment wheel 66 that extends beyond the housing 65 of the viewingassembly 60. As such, by manually rotating the adjustment wheel 66, thestatic structure 62 is rotated about its midaxis, via the shaft 64. Asthe static structure 62 is rotated, changes in the orientation of thestatic structure 62 are transferred to the reflective surface 52. Theimage reflected by the reflective surface 52 therefore changes as thestatic structure 62 moves below the reflective surface 52 and thecurvature of the reflective surface 52 changes. By creating a toriccurvature on the static structure 62, and providing a means to rotatethe static structure 62 about its midaxis, the reflective toric surface52 can be selectively adjusted to correct a large range of commonoptical deficiencies.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention 70 wherein a corrective lens 72 is disposed in front of thereflective surface 52. The reflective surface 52 is held taut over ashaped static structure 62 by an elastic ring 54. As has been explainedwith previous embodiments, the reflective surface 52 therefore conformsto the shape of the static structure 62. In the shown embodiment, thestatic structure 62 is shaped to have a cylindrical curvature. As aresult, the reflective surface 52 is also shaped to have a correspondingcylindrical curvature. The static structure 62 is coupled to be anadjustment wheel 66, via shaft 64. Consequently, as the adjustment wheel66 is rotated, the static structure 62 rotates about its midaxis andcurvature of the reflective surface 52 changes.

The corrective lens or optic element 72 is adjustably positioned infront of the reflective surface 52. The corrective lens 72 can be eitherconvex or concave to produce spherical corrections in an imagereflecting off the reflective surface 62 and passing through thecorrective lens 72. The corrective lens 72 may also be of the fresneltype without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Inthe shown embodiment, a pinion gear 75 is rotatably attached to thecorrective lens 72. A shaft 77 passes through the center of the piniongear 75 and joins the pinion gear 75 to an adjustment knob 76 on theexterior of the viewing assembly 70. The shaft 77, connecting theadjustment knob 76 to the pinion gear 75, passes through a slottedopening 79 in the housing 65. The pinion gear 75 rides along rack 78inside the mirror housing 65. As such, the position of the correctivelens 72 relative the reflective surface 52 can be selectively adjusted,within the mirror housing 65, by rotating the adjustment knob 76 andmoving the corrective lens 72 back and forth across the gear rack 78. Bymoving the corrective lens 72 back and forth in front of the reflectivesurface 52, a large range of spherical corrections can be produced in areflected image.

In the shown embodiment, a person would view a reflected image bylooking through the view window 14 in the mirror housing 65. By lookingthrough the view window 14, a person is able to see the portion of thereflective surface 52 that is pulled taut over the shaped staticstructure 62. The shaped static structure 62 produces a cylindricalcurvature in the reflective surface 52. Consequently, the reflectedimage viewed from the reflective surface 52 is optically correctedaccording to the cylindrical curvature reproduced in the reflectivesurface 52. The cylindrically corrected reflective surface 52 is viewedthrough the corrective lens 72. The corrective lens 72 producesspherical corrections in the image reflected from the reflective surface52. As a result, the reflected image is corrected both spherically, bythe corrective lens 72, and cylindrically by the shape of the reflectivesurface 52.

As has been previously described, the cylindrical curvature of thereflective surface 52 can be selectively changed by rotating the staticstructure 62 below the reflective surface 52. Furthermore, the sphericalcorrections produced by the corrective lens 72 can be selectivelyaltered by varying the position of the corrective lens 72 relative thereflective surface 52. The compound optical corrections that can beproduced in the reflective toric image allow the viewing assembly 70 tobe individually adjusted by the viewer to correct the reflected image asneeded. In the shown embodiment, the corrective lens 72 createsspherical corrections in the viewed reflected image, while the staticstructure 62 creates cylindrical corrections in the reflective surface52. However, it should be understood that the static structure 62 can beused to produce any desired corrections in the reflective surface 52.Similarly, the corrective lens 72 can be used to produce any desiredsecondary corrections in the reflected image. Consequently, anycombination of optical corrections can be produced.

While the foregoing description of the various embodiments of theviewing assembly discusses cylindrical, spherical and toric surfaces, itis understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention isnot limited to configuring the reflective surface to have any particularshape. For instance, the reflective surface could be configured to havean aspherical or parabolic surface. Similarly, the reflective surfacecould be configured to reflect a magnified image as well as a correctedimage. Alternatively, a magnifying lens could be placed in front of thereflective surface to magnify the reflected image.

In view of the multitude of differing embodiments described above, itshould appear obvious that a person skilled in the art could combineelements for each embodiment and produce a viewing assembly notspecifically described herein. It should therefore be understood thatthe embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a personskilled in the art may make such variations and modifications withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. All possiblecombinations of the features of the disclosed embodiments and otherobvious variations and modifications regarding differing physicalgeometric proportions, materials or functionally equivalent componentsare intended to be included within the scope of the invention as definedin the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A viewing apparatus, comprising:a formable body which isflexible throughout; a plurality of flexible members disposed withinsaid formable body, said plurality of flexible members extending throughthe formable body, each of said flexible members being configured tohave a predetermined curvature within said formable body; a forceadjustment device applying a force to a selected number of said flexiblemembers, thereby altering the predetermined curvature of the selectednumber of said flexible members and changing the shape of the formablebody by flection; and a reflective surface coupled to said formablebody, whereby said reflective surface changes in shape with saidformable body and produces an optical correction in a reflected imageviewed from said reflective surface.
 2. The apparatus according to claim1, wherein said reflective surface is disposed on said formable body incorresponding facing engagement therewith.
 3. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said reflective surface is a sheet of flexible materialpulled taut against said formable body.
 4. The apparatus according toclaim 3, further comprising:an elastic member coupled to said sheet offlexible material, said elastic member pulling said sheet of flexiblematerial taut over said formable body.
 5. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein each of said plurality of flexible members extendthrough said formable body along differently oriented paths such that aforce can be applied to a selected number of said flexible members bysaid force adjustment device to alter the shape of the selected numberof said flexible members and said formable body.
 6. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said force adjustment device includes aseparate controller for adjusting the force applied to each of saidplurality of flexible members.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the force adjustment device is mechanically linked to theflexible members and mechanically applies a force thereto.
 8. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of flexible membersinclude a first set of flexible members which follow a sphericalcurvature and a second set of flexible members which follow acylindrical curvature, wherein applying a force to at least one flexiblemember from the first set and at least one flexible member from thesecond set provides a toric optical correction in the reflected imageviewed from the reflective surface.
 9. A viewing apparatus comprising:aflexible material having a front surface and a back surface, said frontsurface being reflective; a support structure having a first surfacereceiving said back surface of said flexible material in correspondingfacing engagement, said first surface having a contour; a tensioningdevice pulling said flexible material taut over said first surface ofsaid support structure, wherein said flexible material conforms to thecontour of said first surface; and an adjustment mechanism selectivelyadjusting said contour of said first surface, thereby altering the shapeto which said flexible material conforms and creating a desired opticalcorrection in an image reflected from said flexible material.
 10. Theapparatus according to claim 9, wherein said flexible material has aperipheral edge and said tensioning device includes an elastic membercoupled to said peripheral edge, whereby said elastic member biases saidflexible material against said support structure and symmetrically pullssaid flexible material taut over said support structure.
 11. Theapparatus according to claim 9, wherein said support structure is a bodyof formable material and said adjustment mechanism includes a pluralityof members selectively stressing said formable body, thereby selectivelyaltering the contour of said formable body.
 12. The apparatus accordingto claim 9, wherein said support structure is a body of formablematerial having a plurality of flexible members disposed therein,wherein each of said plurality of flexible members follows apredetermined curvature within said formable body and said adjustmentmechanism further includes a force adjustment device applying a force toa selected number of said flexible members, thereby altering thepredetermined curvature of the selected number of said flexible membersand causing changes in the contour of said body of formable material.13. The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the body of formablematerial is an elastomeric material.
 14. A viewing apparatuscomprising:a flexible formable body constructed of an elastomericmaterial; a plurality of flexible members disposed within said formablebody, each of said flexible members being configured to have apredetermined curvature within said formable body; a force adjustmentdevice applying a force to a selected number of said flexible members,thereby altering the predetermined curvature of the selected number ofsaid flexible members and changing the shape of the formable body; and areflective surface coupled to said formable body, whereby saidreflective surface changes in shape with said formable body and producesan optical correction in a reflected image viewed from said reflectivesurface.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein saidreflective surface is disposed on said formable body in correspondingfacing engagement therewith.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 14,wherein said reflective surface is a sheet of flexible material pulledtaut against said formable body.
 17. The apparatus according to claim16, further comprising:an elastic member coupled to said sheet offlexible material, said elastic member pulling said sheet of flexiblematerial taut over said formable body.
 18. The apparatus according toclaim 14, wherein each of said plurality of flexible members extendthrough said formable body along differently oriented paths such that aforce can be applied to a selected number of said flexible members bysaid force adjustment device to alter the shape of the selected numberof said flexible members and said formable body.
 19. The apparatusaccording to claim 14, wherein said force adjustment device includes aseparate controller for adjusting the force applied to each of saidplurality of flexible members.
 20. A viewing apparatus comprising:aflexible material having a front surface, a back surface and aperiphery, said front surface being reflective; a support structurehaving a first surface receiving said back surface of said flexiblematerial in corresponding facing engagement, said first surface having acontour; a tensioning device pulling said flexible material taut oversaid first surface of said support structure by pulling around theperiphery of the flexible material, wherein said flexible materialconforms to the contour of said first surface; and an adjustmentmechanism selectively adjusting said contour of said first surface,thereby altering the shape to which said flexible material conforms andcreating a desired optical correction in an image reflected from saidflexible material.
 21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein saidsupport structure is a body of formable material and said adjustmentmechanism includes a plurality of members selectively stressing saidformable body, thereby selectively altering the contour of said formablebody.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said supportstructure is a body of formable material having a plurality of flexiblemembers disposed therein, wherein each of said plurality of flexiblemembers follows a predetermined curvature within said formable body andsaid adjustment mechanism further includes a force adjustment deviceapplying a force to a selected number of said flexible members, therebyaltering the predetermined curvature of the selected number of saidflexible members and causing changes in the contour of said body offormable material.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 22 wherein thebody of formable material is an elastomeric material.